01
die Probe
rehearsal
The joint practice of a play, piece of music, or another artistic performance before the actual performance.
example
Das Orchester hat morgen eine neunstündige Probe.
The orchestra has a nine-hour rehearsal tomorrow.
die Probe
rehearsal / sample / test
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family with 'probieren'
'Die Probe' (rehearsal/sample/test) is the noun related to the verb 'probieren' (to try, test). The basic idea of trying out or testing connects all meanings of the word.
EXAMPLE
Bevor du den Wein kaufst, solltest du ihn probieren.
Before you buy the wine, you should try it.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'etwas/jemanden auf die Probe stellen' (to put something/someone to the test) means to test the resilience, quality, or loyalty of something or someone. The thing or person being tested is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die lange Distanz stellte ihre Beziehung auf eine harte Probe.
The long distance put their relationship to a hard test.
Context: art & music
In an artistic context (theater, music, dance), 'Probe' (rehearsal) always means a practice session. An important combination is 'die Generalprobe' (dress rehearsal) for the final practice before the performance.
EXAMPLE
Die Band hat heute ihre letzte Probe vor dem großen Auftritt.
The band has its last rehearsal today before the big performance.
Context: science & medicine
In a scientific or medical context, a 'Probe' (sample) is a small amount of a material. Typical verbs are 'eine Probe nehmen' (to take a sample), 'entnehmen' (to take/extract), or 'analysieren' (to analyze).
EXAMPLE
Der Biologe entnahm eine Wasserprobe aus dem See, um sie zu untersuchen.
The biologist took a water sample from the lake in order to examine it.
At work: auf Probe
In working life, 'Probe' (trial/test) often refers to the probationary period. The fixed expressions are 'auf Probe eingestellt sein' (to be hired on a probationary basis) or 'auf Probe arbeiten' (to work on a trial basis).
EXAMPLE
Der neue Mitarbeiter ist für die ersten drei Monate auf Probe angestellt.
The new employee is hired on a probationary basis for the first three months.
Context: mathematics
In mathematics, 'die Probe' (the check) is the checking calculation used to verify a result. The fixed expression for this is 'die Probe machen' (to do the check).
EXAMPLE
Nachdem du die Gleichung gelöst hast, musst du als Kontrolle die Probe machen.
After you have solved the equation, you have to do the check as a control.
Compare with
Probe vs Versuch
attempt / experiment
'der Versuch' and 'die Probe' can both have to do with checking or trying something out. 'Versuch' usually refers to an action: you try to see whether something succeeds, or you carry out an experiment in science. 'Probe' often refers to something used for testing, for example a small amount of material, or a test of quality or ability. In mathematics, 'Probe' can also be a checking calculation. The words can be confused because both are meant to show whether something is correct or works. 'Versuch' fits better for the action; 'Probe' fits better for the test item or the check.
Probe
Zur Sicherheit nimmt die Ärztin eine Probe und schickt sie ins Labor.
To be safe, the doctor takes a sample and sends it to the lab.
Versuch
Der erste Versuch, den Computer neu zu starten, hat nicht geholfen.
The first attempt to restart the computer did not help.
In real life
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